Managing Loss During Job Interviews

Experiencing a loss can be difficult. Searching for a job while in a state of grief may be significantly more challenging. Maybe you’ve lost a loved one or are experiencing a job loss or rejection. We want to help you navigate this tough time with some proactive steps you can take during job interviews.

Mentioning Loss in the Interview

If your loss was recent or this is the time of year when you are mourning a loved one, it may be necessary to provide some context during your interview. Of course, it’s important to assess the situation and your own mental and emotional state and make that decision for yourself. As a job seeker, you may want to avoid this conversation with someone you don’t know personally, but it may be helpful to you to acknowledge the grief while interviewing. Once you’ve established that you are dealing with a loss in the interview, make it known that you are ready and present to discuss the job opportunity.

Getting Through the Interview

Your mind may be racing as you try to get through the interview. Respond to the interviewer’s questions as best you can. If you’re in the middle of the conversation and you find yourself having a difficult time answering questions, ask for a second to pause and gather your thoughts. Once you’ve collected your thoughts, ask the interviewer to repeat the question and proceed. After the interview, express your gratitude to the interviewer for their time and consideration for the position.

Give Yourself Grace

Managing loss is a process. It will take time to get through the stages of grief. Allow yourself some grace.

It may be beneficial to just take a break from looking for work while you grieve so that you can approach the job search with a better mindset. As you navigate your own loss, you could help someone else who may be encountering the same situation in the future.

What are some other takeaways job seekers can implement while juggling interviews and loss? Share your thoughts in the comments section!